On February 22, the Saudi Founding Day commemorates the establishment of the Saudi state. The announcement of the Founding Day brought the Saudi state’s historical path into the desired framework and corrected the previously announced date of its foundation. It also confirms the Saudi royal family’s historical depth, whose chain of rule dates back nearly 600 years, since the foundation of Diriyah by Manie Al-Muraydi, the 13th grandfather of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. On this day, celebrations and marches will take place throughout Saudi, telling the inspiring story of the Kingdom’s foundation on unity, growth, and bravery.
It is in its second year, and employees from both the public and private sectors will be given the day off.
Employees in the public sector will also be off on February 23, followed by a two-day weekend.
The second-ever Founding Day, held under the theme ‘Our Story’ this year, “embodies pride in the deep roots of this blessed state and the close connection of its citizens with their leadership since the founding of the first Saudi state three centuries ago.
The Founding Day was first observed last year and has since become an annual public holiday by royal decree. The origins of “Founding Day” can be traced back three centuries to 1727, when the first Saudi state was established under the leadership of Imam Muhammad bin Saud.
Read more: Saudi National Day… Successes in the face of adversity
Celebrations in Saudi (Photo Credit: SPA)
Celebrations
Celebrations will center on landmarks throughout the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has flooded social media with information about upcoming events across the country.
One way the Founding Day will be commemorated is through art depicting history. People can enjoy a musical performance based on Arabic poetry that depicts Saudi Arabia’s history and glories from its founding to the present day.
The play will be performed by theater stars and singers from February 22 to February 27 at the conference center at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh. Ticket prices range from 50 riyals ($13) to. 150 riyals ($40).
Celebrations in Saudi (Photo Credit: SPA)
Historical march
During a march that will include a procession of horses and massive artistic sculptures, the Kingdom’s history and values of the Founding Day will be displayed. The march, which will take place on Riyadh’s Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, will tell the “the esteemed story of the Kingdom.
The march will take place after Isha’s prayer on Friday, February 24. (7:21 p.m.).
Attendees can enjoy food at the event before the show begins, and everyone is encouraged to stay for the fireworks display.
Read more: UAE 51st National Day: Prominent personalities extend congratulations
Seminars
From Wednesday to Friday, the King Fahad National Library will host a series of events that will introduce visitors to the cultural heritage of the first Saudi state through seminars, meetings, and workshops.
Cultural events
Cultural events in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District will transport visitors back three centuries and allow them to relive history by establishing popular markets, showcasing traditional Saudi clothing, and hosting interactive exhibitions and historical plays.
Celebrations in Saudi (Photo Credit: SPA)
Congratulations messages
World leaders have congratulated Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the country’s second Saudi Founding Day.
Among those to send their congratulations are Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa paid tribute to the “remarkable civilizational and developmental achievements…Saudi Arabia experienced over the decades, which enhanced the Kingdom’s status at regional and global level”.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein also sent a cable of congratulations, as has Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Emir and President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Additionally, Bahrain’s Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Abdulrahman al-Assoumi described it as “a day of allegiance and loyalty to the founding ruler of the Kingdom and an occasion to celebrate its achievements and excellence in all fields”.
Moreover, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a tweet, “The Qatari Foreign Ministry extends its congratulations to the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the leadership and people, on the occasion of the founding day, asking God Almighty to preserve the Kingdom’s prosperity and stability.”
